Thai Spice & Sushi — Restaurant in Florida

A Magical Dining Experience: A Taste of Thailand Close to Home

We decided to forego our usual quick bite from a food truck and instead treat ourselves to a Thai restaurant we had visited before. Little did we know this would turn into an unforgettable evening filled with incredible flavors, warm service, and delightful company.

Our group of six—a mix of fascinating professionals—gathered at this gem of a restaurant. Noah, a car detailer and landowner near Ocala, was joined by his girlfriend, a mind-body specialist and published author. Zen, an internationally renowned artist and writer based in South America, brought her unique energy, as did Christine Weiss, a certified family court mediator with two master’s degrees and a background in business ownership. Lynn Dugan, an art teacher who had recently sold several pieces at a Salvation Hotel show, and I, Kent Norton, a certified court mediator and former gifted teacher and consultant, rounded out the group.

The atmosphere was enchanting from the moment we stepped inside. The decor struck the perfect balance between modern and traditional, with a single television screen showing tantalizing food images. It felt as though we had been transported to Thailand—though none of us had been there, the authenticity of the ambiance made it easy to imagine.

I took a chance and ordered the grouper instead of my usual red or green curry with mussels. The wait—around 15 minutes—was a reassuring sign that each dish was freshly prepared, not scooped from a steam cabinet. My grouper was cooked to perfection, paired with delectable vegetables and brown rice that were beautifully tender yet crisp. The flavors transported me, reminding me of meals I’ve enjoyed overseas, though not in Thailand.

One of my companions ordered the Tom Yum soup, opting for a large bowl. Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t finish it and took the rest home—a testament to the generous portions. We noticed the same with all our dishes; the portions were so plentiful we shared freely and still had leftovers.

The service was impeccable. The waitstaff were attentive and personable, engaging us with humor and genuine warmth. They looked us in the eye, anticipated our needs, and even rearranged tables to accommodate our group comfortably. Their kindness and professionalism elevated the entire experience.

The food itself was nothing short of extraordinary. Every bite tasted as though it had been prepared with care and intention. The vegetables were vibrant and bursting with flavor, the proteins perfectly seasoned and cooked to order. It wasn’t like a comforting home-cooked meal; it felt like dining at a five-star restaurant—on par with the Four Seasons in Miami Beach but at a fraction of the cost.

As we lingered over our meal, savoring every bite, it was clear we were having a magical evening. We closed the place down, and even after leaving, we found ourselves meeting kind strangers outside, extending the sense of community and joy.

This was more than a meal—it was a memory we’ll all cherish. The restaurant provided not just food but an experience of warmth, connection, and culinary excellence that left us feeling nourished in every sense...

If you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience in Lakewood Ranch, Thai Spice and Sushi in San Marco Plaza should be at the top of your list. This restaurant offers a delightful fusion of Thai cuisine and sushi that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

The Thai dishes here are nothing short of delicious. Every plate bursts with authentic flavors, rich in spices and fresh ingredients that transport you straight to Thailand. Whether you're in the mood for a classic Pad Thai or a savory Green Curry, each dish is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for traditional Thai cooking methods. The portions are generous, ensuring you leave both satisfied and delighted.

Equally impressive is the sushi. Freshness is paramount when it comes to sushi, and Thai Spice and Sushi excels in this regard. The sushi is always fresh, vibrant, and expertly prepared. The quality of the fish is evident in every bite, and the presentation is nothing short of artistic. From the delicate nigiri to the inventive rolls, every piece of sushi here is a testament to the chef's skill and dedication to excellence.

The service at Thai Spice and Sushi is also noteworthy. The staff is incredibly friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They are more than happy to make recommendations and ensure that your dining experience is as enjoyable as possible. Whether you have dietary restrictions or specific preferences, the staff goes out of their way to accommodate your needs.

The ambiance of the restaurant adds to the overall experience. It’s warm, inviting, and beautifully decorated, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a casual meal with friends. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between upscale and comfortable, ensuring that you feel relaxed while enjoying high-quality cuisine.

Additionally, Thai Spice and Sushi is located in the charming San Marco Plaza, which adds to its appeal. The plaza itself is a great place to explore before or after your meal, with its picturesque setting and boutique shops.

In summary, Thai Spice and Sushi in San Marco Plaza, Lakewood Ranch, is a culinary treasure. With its delicious Thai dishes, fresh sushi, outstanding service, and inviting atmosphere, it offers an exceptional dining experience that is hard to beat. Whether you are a local or just visiting the area, make sure to stop by and savor the wonderful flavors that Thai Spice and Sushi has to offer. You won’t be...

Small portions for the price and not authentic. I feel like the food is too Americanized. There are much better Thai restaurants in the Sarasota area that pay homage to the Thai cuisine. I went here for dinner with my wife and son. We met up with some friends and family. The restaurant is pretty small. It’s not ideal for big parties but they will try to accommodate. We called ahead to make a reservation and when we got there they combined a few tables for us. There was a total of 9 of us. I ordered the massaman curry. My wife ordered the drunken noodle and tom yum soup.

Potatoes are a common ingredient in massaman curry and for some reason they don’t have it in their curry. On the menu it says this dish has avocado. I was excited to see what they were going to do with it but all they did was cut up half an avocado and plate it next to the curry. It literally adds nothing to the dish and makes no sense for it being there. It’s an extremely poor attempt at trying to be progressive/avant garde if that’s what they are aiming for.

The drunken noodle didn’t taste bad but it was not drunken noodle. The vegetables used is not what you would find in a traditional drunken noodle dish. It also had a lot of sauce in it which it’s not supposed to have. Usually this dish is cooked over an extremely high heat; searing the noodles, not doused in sauce, and definitely does not have tomatoes in it. This wouldn’t be a big issue if they didn’t call it drunken noodles. The tom yum soup was the only thing they got right.

The flavors of the dish we had weren’t bad but the weird things they decide to add to the dish just doesn’t make sense. It’s like they made up these recipes and just decided to slap on name of traditional Thai dishes to draw in customers. We definitely won’t be coming back here. If you want authentic Thai food stay away from this place. There are much better places in Sarasota for Thai food. Check out my other review for another one...